Meta removes Instagram AI image tool after backlash over consent
Meta has retracted a recently introduced feature of its Muse Image AI tool on Instagram, which enabled users to automatically include public accounts without prior consent. This decision, made last Friday, followed criticism from organizations such as the Creative Artists Agency and SAG-AFTRA, who expressed concerns over user privacy and consent practices. Privacy International labeled this situation as indicative of potential misuse of personal data by AI firms. Meanwhile, Muse Image remains accessible through WhatsApp and the Meta AI app, and Instagram’s other functionalities continue to operate normally. Additionally, Meta unveiled an updated public developer API for Muse Spark 1.1 last Thursday.
Key facts
- Meta removed the Muse Image feature from Instagram last Friday.
- The feature allowed users to reference public Instagram accounts in prompts.
- All public accounts were automatically enrolled, not requiring active consent.
- Creative Artists Agency contacted Meta on behalf of clients.
- SAG-AFTRA condemned the opt-in setup and called its removal a win.
- Privacy International criticized Meta's approach as exploitative.
- Access to Muse Image through WhatsApp and Meta AI app remains unaffected.
- Meta launched a public developer API for Muse Spark 1.1 last Thursday.
Entities
Institutions
- Meta
- Creative Artists Agency
- SAG-AFTRA
- Privacy International
- Meta Superintelligence Labs
- Midjourney
- Black Forest Labs
- The New York Times
- BBC
- Pew Research Center
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Cambridge Analytica
- Internet Freedom Foundation
- OpenAI
- Business Insider
- Variety
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- United States
Sources
- Quartz —
- ArtsJournal —
- TechCrunch AI —
- Wired AI —